August 2014 - NYC Convention Edition
AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL by Brother Toti Ayo Greetings Brothers, Sisters and all!
“ACN A, THE LEGA CY CONTINUES . . ..” ” CNA, LEGACY by Bro. Dony Rondilla New York, the “Big APO”, is the central place to be this Labor Day weekend. ACNA returns to its East Coast root with New York hosting the 12th ACNA Biennial Convention. It was 22 years ago when the 1st ACNA Convention took place in New Jersey that started the ACNA legacy. It never ceases to amaze me how, thru the years; all these Alumni Associations continue to support and stand by ACNA, a testament to ACNA’s leadership. What makes ACNA special? Every year, newly formed alumni associations want to be part ACNA. Despite all the distracters who have continually maligned ACNA, alumni associations continue to rally behind an organizational structure that is relevant. In its two decades of existence, ACNA continues to draw alumni associations to its fold simply because it works. Despite ACNA’s growth and successes, there is a concern that ACNA needs to work on improving the relationships between its alumni association members. The reality is that some alumni association members were born out of discord and divisiveness between members in the same group. Personality clashes often results in formation of new groups. These are the same groups that are now under the ACNA umbrella. We have to be more tolerant and less stubborn so that our APO bond will not stretch thin and frayed on the edges. Our brotherhood should not diminish and a sure fire way to rekindle friendship is thru an ACNA event. There is no better place and no better way to experience the warmth and exuberance of APO members in North America than the ACNA Convention in New York. ACNA’s journey is our journey. From the East coast to the West coast, from way down South in Florida, all the way North to Canada, we experience the same passion and commitment that we shared thru the years. Although we cannot relive the past, we can add spark to the present and create fireworks for the future. The ACNA Convention in New York will be a testament of ACNA’s bright future. As they say in New York - - if we can make it here, we can make it anywhere. This is our place, this is our town, and this is our moment. Long live ACNA as its legacy continues!
Another two years has passed since our last Biennial Convention. It has been twentyfour years since we gathered to create what we have now, The Alumni Council of North America. In these Conventions, we gather together for a chance to appraise ourselves where we are, how we are, and where we are headed as we move on along. It is important that we make these assessment on a regular and consistent basis so that we may address issues and matters that are important to the organization and its members. By doing so, by being pro-active, by constantly raising our level of social-consciousness, we assure ourselves of our relevance to the realities of our communities we live in. We want to make sure that our respective Alumni Associations are relevant and responsive to the signs of the times. Moreover, these Conventions allow us to choose our leaders for the next two years. In fact, we become responsible and assure ourselves that our organization is and will be in good hands by electing visionary leaders who will lead us into the future. If we must earn the distinction as a highly respected organization, we must commit ourselves to work together, not for any other reason, but because we are true to ourselves and to each other. We live and hold dear the name Alpha Phi Omega for what it stands for. It becomes everyone’s responsibility to preserve our institution and to keep us all united! Continued on page 3
2
MESSA GE FR OM THE PRESIDENT MESSAGE FROM Fraternal greetings to all! It’s Convention time once again. The 12th ACNA Biennial Convention will be this August 29 to 31, 2014. Yes, we are taking it back to the Big Apple, The City That Never Sleeps. New York City! We bring it back to the East Coast where we had our 1st ACNA Convention in 1992.On behalf of all, it is with great pleasure that I invite you to this gathering. We were here some twenty-two years ago. We return stronger and a much bigger organization. We take pride in its legacy and the new milestones we create along the way. A big group of APO Alumni Associations under one umbrella that we are, there is much that the future holds for us all. There is much to expect, and certainly, much is yet to be done. Together, let's do it! As diverse as we all are, let's not allow issues to divide us. There will be issues every now and then, but in the spirit of fraternal cooperation, let us commit ourselves to maintain a consolidated force by working together towards a common goal - always building consensus and finding a happy medium. It's not always easy, that we all know. But let us strive to be different and be resolute in our resolve. Let us be steadfast in our commitment and enthusiasm, with high hopes that as long as we keep ourselves and others inspired, ACNA will continue to stride and claim its share of triumphs and exultation. We shall flourish and be evermore. On a personal note, as I look back, we had years filled with crucial milestones and exciting tasks of greater responsibility that we accomplished. With that, on behalf of your Officers, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have served you well. Let us continue to take ACNA to greater heights. Let us make our actions ever more meaningful - for us and more importantly, for our families!
ACNA CASH RAFFLE FUND RAISING WINNERS: "CASH RAFFLE FUND RAISING" WINNERS: November - Brod. Aleks Garcia (Dallas - Fort Worth) December - Sis. Cora De Jesus (British Columbia) January - Brod. Danny Onate (San Diego) February - Brod. Jun Crisostomo (Alberta) March - Brod. Ferdie Yambot (Greater L.A.) April - Imelda Marribay (Mississauga) May - Brod. Francis de Guzman (Greater L.A.) June - Brod. Nitoy Valentin (South Bay) July - Brod. Boy Medina (Greater L.A.) Note: New York City is the venue of the last lottery draw. Inasmuch as there's not much activity, The 10th Monthly Draw was scratched and added all late sales to our "12th Biennial Convention - Grand Prizes Draw". - Brod Jun P. Abbariao, ACNA VP
Our objective is not to shine during Parade of Colors during Conventions; over and above, in our own limited ways, we aim to be firm in our commitment to be able to respond to calamities when they strike. Political issues and other provocations exist to distract only if we allow them to. May they be nothing but forces of inspiration for us to be better every step of the way. Let us consistently set the standard of excellence where it should. Let us continue to take our message of hope and optimism, peace, harmony and love close to the hearts of our people near and far. If I may add, there is no better joy when every member AA responds accordingly! I look forward to seeing you all at the Convention! Thank you very much and may God’s grace and mercy continue to energize our spirits for the betterment ACNA. Fraternally,
Brother Lito Tarculas ACNA President 2013-2014
3
AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL Continued from page 1 May we continue to create an environment that is challenging and enjoyable for ourselves and for our families. Let us maximize and make the most of our every effort making sure that our standard of excellence reflects high ideals. Let us make sure, that when all is said and done, we will have left a legacy that every Alpha Phi Omega organization can emulate. Let us be committed to achieve what we aim for and committed to one another. Extra efforts must be made on understanding, compassion and tolerance. For whatever weaknesses and failures we had, let us make sure that lessons were learned, safeguards were made, and they should not happen again. With the successes that we had and documented over the years, it is made clear that good leadership delivers a well-deserved success. Knowing that we have made life easier on others is an experience that is immensely gratifying and beyond forgetting. With all those gratifying and learning experiences, those milestones that we made, we can only give Him our grateful thanks. The love and dedication that we give with passion has given and will continue to give us nourishment for our soul. We have changed the culture and our values. May we continue to do so, until we all become one - not so much for ourselves but for the generations to come. With that, we expect everyone to do more than their fair share. Let us continue to be willing and able to respond to the poor and the needy, regardless of our own silent personal struggle/s as we continue to live the American/Canadian Dream, if ever there is such a thing, as we plan for our future projects. However, just as important, let us not fail to recognize and be sensitive to the needs of those among us in our respective AAs. With all these, our inter-personal relationships especially, we must continue to make every effort to heal and give thanks. We cannot maximize our efforts to help others if the task on reconciliation on relationships within and among AAs or any other organization for that matter is left on the byway. With our limitations and faults, failures and shortcomings, we beg each other for forgiveness and respond better to the call. We give thanks, as our Conventions come and go. Together with our families, with our mission and vision, with every active AA in ACNA, the spirit of brotherhood, with greater depth of understanding, and the quality of service we provide, we cannot ask for more . . . Visit our website: http://apo-acna.org/aboutus/acna-council Yes, let us inspire enthusiasm and encourage commitment from everyone. Regardless, everyone among us has something to bring to the table. It will take us far. TA081814
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS ARD OF DIRECT ORS AND BO BOARD DIRECTORS (D Y 2015-2016) (DY Bro. LUISITO "Tong" FANLO, President Sis. MARISSA VAZQUEZ-ACAYLAR, 1st VP (Internal Affairs) Sis. CYNDRIL CARREON -PALENCIA, 2nd VP (External Affairs) Sis. NORA CORTEZ-QUIBAL, Secretary Sis. FELICOLA "Fely" ESTEBAN, Treasurer Sis. GRACE T. GARGANTIEL, Auditor Sis. MARIQUITA "Kith" MIRANDA, Press Relations Officer Bro. RAMON ACAYLAR, Sergeant -at-Arms Bro. RENE SALDARIEGA, Sergeant-at-Arms BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bro. PETRONILO L. RAMOS, Chairman Bro. LUISITO "Tong" FANLO, Member Sis. ESTHER DAYMIEL, Member Bro. MIKE DUQUILLA, Member Sis. MARILOU NERI-DEQUILLA, Member
The Council is a publication of the Alpha Phi Omega (Philippines) Alumni Council of North America exclusively for its members, families and friends. The opinions expressed hererin are those of the writers, and are not intended to represent APO-ACNA. Editor-in-Chief Sancho Sy Contributors: Toti Ayo • Dony Rondilla • Noly Pleyto Dennis Villanueva • Lito Tarculas • Ernel Libario Cora De Jesus • Ray Elido • Nora Quibal Lemuel Banaga • Aleks Garcia • Jojo Banaria Jun Abbariao • Sancho Sy The Council 15226 Ryan St. Sylmar, CA 91342 email: apochosy@gmail.com www.apo-acna.org
4
APO AABC NEWS APOAABC
By: Cora de Jesus, Alpha Eta, 00107-1973-00814 Life
July 2014 is a busy month for APOAABC members with so much activities and service in line. It started with our family picnic on July 5,2014 Chaired by Sis. Cora de Jesus. It was a successful and well attended gathering of at least 50 members and their family. As early as 4:00 am, Sisters Janet Fabellar , Fe Vicmudo , Cora de Jesus and Brothers Boni Torres and Derrick Licauco went to Fleetwood Park, Surrey, BC to reserve the place (First come, First serve). Lucky enough we got it. The weather did not cooperate much as it shower by lunch time but it did not stop us to enjoy every minute of it with children and adult games and ending it up with our July General month meeting presided by our President Brother Santi Morano.
FAMILY PICNIC
STREET CLEAN UP
On July 12, 2014, we have our first round of yearly street clean up service on the stretch along 101st Avenue, Surrey, BC. Thanks to APOAABC members for the SERVICE TO THE YOUTH AND COMMUNITY, the 3rd of APO 4-Fold Service Program .The volunteer cleaner ended up having breakfast in McDonald for a short fellowship. At your Service, Bro Andy Martires, Chairman, APOAABC Adopt a Street Program.
FAMILY CAMPING
APOAABC camping on July 18-20, 2014 at 31338 Dewdney Trunk Rd - Stave Lake Campsite , headed by Chairman , Brother Jun Mesa, who treat more or less 50 members including their family with a lechon on Saturday dinner and was indeed surprised by the Brothers and Sisters with his Birthday cake. All the campers did their part of marketing, food preparation, cooking, serving and clean up. Weather was a little bit cold in the night plus it rain on that Saturday morning, but overall everybody had a good time playing mah-jong, tongits, line dancing and off course drinking, as usual it is noisy as expected, oh well as long as there is no fighting.
5
ACN A SER VICE PR OJECT IN MIND AN AO CNA SERVICE PROJECT MINDAN ANA Butuan City Humanitarian, Medical, Dental, Optical Mission Service, May 10-12, 2014 Part 1: Butuan Central Elementary School, May 10, 2014, the Venue before the start of service
The Medical: Circumcision of Boys ages 7-12 years old
The Optical Service: Gave over 100 reading eyeglasses
The Dental Service: We served approximately 80 adults and children
6
BUTU AN CITY HMDO MISSION SER VICE, UTUAN SERVICE,
MA Y 10-12, 2014 MAY The Medical Service: Medical Consultation, B/P check-up and Glucose monitoring
The Feeding of the Children: Over 200 children and adults were fed during the service
The Distribution of Goodies/Food supplies. ACNA distributed rice & grocery items to over 100 recipients.
The Volunteers
Part 2: Butuan City Mission in Barangay Maon Covered Court, May 12, 2014
7
APO HA WAII ELECTS HAW NEW SET OF OFFICERS FOR DY 2014-2015
APO HOLL YW OOD NEWS HOLLYW YWOOD
President - Brod Ray Elido (Alpha Phi) Vice President - Brod Melvin Calivoso (Beta Lambda) Secretary - Sis Erma Del Rosario (Beta Lambda) Treasurer - Brod Vanni Del Rosario (Beta Lambda) PRO - Brod Ben De Vera (Gamma Beta) Auditor - Brod Sonny Belardo (Theta) Chairman of the Board - Sis Coy Blanco (Epsilon Beta) Board of Director - Brod Ray Elido (Alpha Phi) Board of Director - Brod Dan Abadilla (Gamma Beta) Board of Director - Brod John Jacinto (Gamma Beta)
APO Hollywood Alumni Association had a very momentous milestone on May 31, 2014. It was a night celebrated in true Hollywood fashion. It was glamorous night and filled to the brim with style. The venue was decked out with balloons, posters and keepsakes of their famous movie star alias. Those famous stars however were no match to the elegant dresses and dapper suits of the APOHA members themselves as they walked the red carpet in style. The energy in the room rumbled with joy and excitement. After five years of hard work and perseverance they were officially installed as Charter #267 by Chairman of the Board Philippines Luis Paredes at the LAX Crowne Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles CA. He presented APOHA Members with a pin and certificates of recognition. APO Members from various associations, family, and friends from far and wide came to support and have a good time. The raffle at the end of the night was big hit. A number of guests went home with Gift Cards, Quantum Power items, IPod Shuffles, an IPod Nano and one extremely lucky person won the grand prize, which was a retina display IPad mini. It was a great night for celebration and fellowship. APO Hollywood’s mantra this year is “Rise and Shine” and they most certainly have. They have proven to be resilient and a valuable asset in the APO World. Congratulations on all that you have accomplished and we are excited for what you have in store in the future.
8
APO -APO LANG SA BIG APOL! by Bro. Dennis Villanueva, Chairman-ACNA2014NYC APO-APO
Revisiting the past ffor or a str ong er futur e! The Alpha Phi Omega Alumni Association of Greater New York strong onger future! invites everyone to join us at the 12th ACNA Biennial Convention on August 29 – 31, 2014 in “The City That Never Sleeps,” New York City. In 1992, history was made when members of Alpha Phi Omega (Philippines) from the East Coast and the West Coast of North America held the 1st ACNA Convention in New York. In 2014, come and be a part of another history-making experience when the ACNA Convention returns to New York. Guided sightseeing tours to famous sites in NYC like the Empire State building, Ground Zero/WTC site, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square are included in the schedule of events and will be available to members, family and friends. And if you are into delectable food, NYC offers the most variety of international cuisine in one place from the most famous steak house in Brooklyn, Little Italy, Chinatown (the biggest in the US) to the food cart in the corner street. And after everything is said and done and a new set of officers has been elected, what could be a better way to end the occasion than making a pilgrimage to the true ALPHA, Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania to visit the place where it all started. Ano pa ang hinihintay ninyo? Tayo na sa NYC at maki APO APO lang sa Big L.
APO AA MONTREAL: ACTIVITIES
OBITUARY On behalf of the whole ACNA family, our heartfelt condolences to Sis Liezl Rey and the Mamaril Family for the untimely passing of Bro. Jun Hizon Mamaril of Psi Chapter and APO-Alberta. Our deepest sympathies to Bro. Ray Nocon of Eta Chapter, Tess and family for the untimely demise of their 32 year old son Raymond due to a rafting accident. And to all APO kapamilya who have gone before us, our condolences. May the Eternal Light shine upon them and may they rest in peace.
9
APO GREA TER L OS ANGELES NEWS AND PICTURES: GREATER LOS APOGLA ANNU AL PICNIC ANNUAL @Rimgrove Park, Valinda, CA August 16, 2014
Hannah Angelica Marte, the eighteen-year old daughter of Brod Rocky (Theta/APOGLA) and Priscilla Marte was crowned Miss Philippines-USA 2014 at the recently concluded Miss Philippines USA (MPUSA) pageant last Sunday, July 27, 2014 held at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, 320 South Mission Drive, San Gabriel, California 91776. Hannah Marte together with her younger sister Helena Marte are two of the 26 young and beautiful Filipino-American ladies vying for the title this year. Celebrating the beauty, grace, and elegance of young Filipino American women, the pageant's mission is to “develop the finest ambassadors of goodwill and role models for Filipino American women, to raise scholarship funds, to bring awareness on Filipino culture and become an advocate of education through charities that promote education.” MPUSA’s long term objective is for the pageant’s Fil-Am winners to be recognized by participating in other worldwide and international pageant competitions. The other winners of this year’s Miss Philippines USA pageant are: Aislinn Anne Casapao-Sebastian as 2014 Miss Young Philippines USA. Hannah Marte also romped away with the Best in Swimsuit and Best in Long Gown awards. Completing their court are Monica Morales, Miss Philippines USA-Tourism; Samantha Antonio, Miss Philippines USA-Ambassador; Hannah Marte’s runners-up are Kayla Cabral and Rochelle Fajardo; and Aislinn Ann Casapao-Sebastian’s runners-up are Jessica Duhay and Suzanne Perez. The pageant was hosted by two Fil-Am TV personalities in the Los Angeles area, Emmy award-winning Host-Anchor of KTLATV, Cher Calvin and Tony Cabrera of Fox News TV. Another FilAm, Nickelodeon actress Ashley Spencer Argota sat in the panel of judges. Jett Pangan of The Dawn entertained the audience. Hannah graduated high school earlier this year at the Summit High School in Fontana, CA. She plans to attend college and take up Clinical Science at CalState - Dominguez Hills in the fall. Congratulations to Hannah and to the Marte family, you make us all proud. We wish you success in your reign as Miss Philippines USA for the coming year and your future endeavours. Rest assured your APhiO family will be there to support you all the way. - by chosy
AUGUST GMM
@Bro. Jobee/Sis. Hazel’s Place, La Puente, CA August 16, 2014
ACNA 12th Biennial Convention - NYC 2014 New York, NY August 28 -31, 2014
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ACN A-NY C 2014 CNA-NY A-NYC Thursday, August 28
Golf Tour (Venue TBA)
VENUE, FEES & CONTACTS Date : Hosts : Venue :
August 28-31, 2014 APO AA Greater New York Courtyard by Marriott LaGuardiaAirport 90-10 Ditmars Blvd. East Elmhurst, NY 11369 Tel. No. 718-446-4800
Friday, August 29 6:00am - 5:00pm 8:00am - 7:00pm 9:00am - 5:00pm 10:00am 12:00pm 1:00pm - 5:00pm 5:00pm - 9:00pm 8:00pm - 12:00am
Delegate Registration Fee -$300 Golf Tournament (Venue TBA) Non-Delegate Registration Fee - $250 Registration (Hotel Lobby) Fees includes: convention kits, NYC Group Tour (optional) program folder, t-shirt, official 1st Bus Trip to Lafayette College name tag,tag holder, wrist band, 2nd Bus Trip to Lafayette College admission to Gala night, bus trip NYC Group trip (optional) to Lafayette College, fellowship BOD Meeting (GNY hospitality ste) night and meals during the Welcome Cocktails/ Fellowship convention. (venue TBA ) * Note: For visiting non-registered August 30, 2014 Saturday brod/sis who wants to attend the 9:00am - 5:00pm NYC Group Tour (optional) Gala night will cost $120.00 while NYC Tour (Brooklyn Bridge, the bus trip to Lafayette College Ground Zero, Statue of Liberty, is $60.00 Times Square, Woodbury Commons Outlet Mall) For more information, please contact: Registration - Bro. Lemuel Banaga (apogny_pres@yahoo.com) APO-ACNA General Assembly at Courtyard by Marriott Golf Tour - Bros. Dennis Villanueva Attire: Business and Tony Cabildo 7:00 - 12n Convention Meeting Part 1 (sinned1925@yahoo.com) 12n - 1:00pm Lunch Break (TBA) Invitation - Bro. Rommel Artes 1:00pm - 3:00pm Convention Meeting Part 2 (rommel84d@yahoo.com) 3:00pm - 5:00pm Comelec’s Time Laffayette Tour - Bro. Virmin Banaag – Presentation of Candidates (apogny_1vp@yahoo.com) Voting Delegates Casting Ballots Transportation - Bro Gilbert and Canvassing/Election Result Sis Mai Gaudite Announcement of Venue (mailenpgaudite@gmail.com) for Next ACNA Convention 2016 NYC Tour - Sis Mabik Ibba LFS Awarding (mamabic1925@gmail.com) 5:00pm Meeting adjourned 8:00pm - 12mn
Gala Night @ Courtyard by Marriott Ballroom
August 31, 2014 Sunday 10:00am - 2:00pm Picnic Brunch Adjournment
Visit APOGNY website at: http://reyanonuevo.wix.com/apoaagny